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Plug In Directly

Dangerous Voltages

3

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

2

English

Important Safety
Information

Introduction

WARNING  Power inverters contain components 
that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire
or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas or
compartments containing batteries or flammable
materials or in locations that require ignition-
protected equipment.

WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover
or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.

Warning: Wash Hands After Handling Power Cord

The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical
known in the state of California to cause birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

Caution: Rechargeable Appliances

Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can 
be damaged if connected to the Cobra

®

400W inverter. Two

(2) particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

1. Small battery-operated appliances

such as flashlights, razors, and
night lights that can be plugged
directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.

2. Certain battery chargers for

battery packs used in hand power
tools. These chargers have a
WARNING label stating that
dangerous voltages are present 
at the battery terminals.

This problem does not occur with the vast majority of
battery operated equipment. Most use a separate charger
or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle and
produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC
adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage 
AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will 
have no problem powering the adapter safely.

Cobra

®

400W Output Waveform

Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not 
operate satisfactory on “square wave” or “modified sine
wave.” The output waveform is referred to as “square
wave” or “modified sine wave.” It is a stepped waveform
designed to have characteristics similar to the sine 
wave shape of utility power. A waveform of this nature 
is suitable for most AC loads (including linear and
switching power suppliers used in electronic 
equipment, transformers and motors).

Important Safety
Information

Introduction

Summary of Contents for CPI 400

Page 1: ... Assistance Should you encounter any problems with this product or not understand its many features please refer to this owner s manual If you require further assistance after reading this manual Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services For Assistance In the U S A Automated Help Desk English only 24 hours a day 7 days a week 773 889 3087 phone Customer Assistance Operato...

Page 2: ...rmation 1 Quick Evaluation Before Installation 4 Installation Installation Requirements 6 Mounting 7 Connecting Cables 8 Power Consumption 10 Operation Turning Your Inverter On or Off 11 Power and Protection Indicators 12 Operating Limits 13 Troubleshooting Guide 14 Specifications 15 Warranty Warranty 16 Customer Assistance Maintenance 17 Product Service 17 Accessories and Order Form 18 Protection...

Page 3: ...o the unit or other equipment WARNING Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life General Precautions 1 Never install the inverter in a boat s engine compartment where gas and battery fumes are present 2 Do not operate the inverter if it has been dropped or damaged in any way 3 Do not open the inverter it contains no user serviceable parts Attempting to serv...

Page 4: ...ashlights razors and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge 2 Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools These chargers have a WARNING label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery operated equipment Most use a separate charger or transformer that...

Page 5: ...er cable for loads higher than 150 watts When connecting loads larger than 150 watts please connect the inverter directly to the battery A test load that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on the inverter for short term testing at a low power level To Check Your Inverter s Performance Before Installation 1 Turn the inverter Off see page 11 for details If the power source is a DC power supply sw...

Page 6: ...mpartment Overheating may result CAUTION The inverter must only be connected to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts It will not work with a 6 volt battery and will be damaged if it is connected to a 16 volt battery WARNING This unit contains components which can produce arcs or sparks To prevent fire or explosion do not install in compartments containing a battery or flammable mate...

Page 7: ... to your vehicle s cigarette lighter socket NOTE If the inverter is to be used at levels above 150 watts for extended periods of time a direct connection to the battery is recommended Do not use the cigarette cord for loads higher than 150 watts Please contact your local dealer or customer assistance for the proper cord for direct to battery connections CAUTION Reverse polarity connections positiv...

Page 8: ...tt hours of energy consumption power x operating time using the average power consumption and the total estimated running time in hours Power x Operating Time Watt Hours 4 Divide the watt hours by ten 10 to determine how many power supply s 12 volt ampere hours will be consumed 11 Nothing comes close to a Cobra 10 English Turning Your Inverter On or Off Be sure to have your power inverter properly...

Page 9: ...mentarily then the inverter will shutdown The inverter will continue to check for appropriate temperature levels while trying to restart the load NOTE A momentary sound of the internal alarm and or flash of the red light is normal at start up Power Protection Indicators Operation Operating Limits Operation Operating Limits Power Output The inverter can deliver 400 watts for about 60 minutes The in...

Page 10: ...ove 12V To extend the life of the fan it will stop when there is no load The speed of the fan increases as the load increases The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety Problem Symptom Low output voltage No output voltage No output voltage after prolonged use No output voltage Protect indicator lighted No output voltage No power to inverter Low battery alarm on all the t...

Page 11: ...tact your local dealer for warranty information Maintenance Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating properly The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt At the same time tighten the screws on the DC input terminals Be sure vents and fans are free of dust or debris Product Service If you have any quest...

Page 12: ...s Radar Laser Detectors Safety Alert Traffic Warning Systems Accessories GPS Global Positioning System HighGear Accessories Name Address No P O Boxes City State Province Zip Country Telephone Credit Card Number Type Visa Mastercard Discover Exp Date Customer Signature Item U S Cost Each Qty Amount U S Subtotal Tax if Applicable Shipping Handling Total Amount Shipping Handling 10 00 or less 3 00 10...

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